Pubococcygeus muscle exerciser



March 24, 1970 H. o. HAMILTON 3,502,328

PUBOCOCCYGEUS MUSCLE EXERCISER Filed Nov. 30, 1966 H ECTOR HAMILTO N flg 4 38 mm m 'ITORNEYS United States Patent M 3,502,328 PUBOCOCCYGEUSMUSCLE EXERCISER Hector 0. Hamilton, 1777 Ala Moaua Blvd., Apt. 1509,Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Filed Nov. 30, 1966, Ser. No. 597,907 Int. Cl.A6311 23/00; A61h 21/00 US. Cl. 27280 12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A novel mechanism for exercising the per-ivaginalpubococcygeal muscle, and particularly to restore, improve and/ormaintain the muscular tone of the pubococcygeal and related muscles bythe users conscious exercising thereof against the resistance offered byspaced body portions of the mechanism. The exercising mechanism alsoincludes means for selectively adjusting the spacing between the bodyportions to vary the resistance against which the muscle is exercised,and may preferably though not necessarily be provided with stop meansand/or indicating means for respectively limiting the insertion of themechanism into the body of the user and indicating the resistance of themechanism to exercising forces.

The pubococcygel muscle forms a portion of the levator ani plate, and isactively related to the physiological functioning of the urinary,intestinal and vaginal canals. During coitus, for example, voluntaryand/ or involuntary contractions of the vagina induced by pain, fear ofpain, sexual excitment, etc, are caused in part by the constrictingeffect of the perivaginal pubococcygeus muscle, particularly at theouter portion of the middle third of the vagina where the constrictingeffect of this muscle is greatest. If the tone of the perivaginalpubococcygeal muscle deteriorates for any reason (childbirth e.g.) or isnormally weak, the effectiveness of its related physiological functionssimilarly deteriorates, but as with other voluntary muscle of the humanbody, restoration of the contractile force of the perivaginalpubococcygeal muscle can be achieved through proper exercise.

Most women can voluntarily constrict or contract the puboccygeal musclesby pulling up or contracting the vaginal muscles in a manner akin tothat employed in terminating urinary or excretory functions. However,the strength of the contractions varies considerably in different womenand is generally lower or virtually absent in elder women or women whohave borne children. In any case,- once aware of the importance of thecontractile function of the perivaginal pubococcygeal muscle and itsimportance in attended physiological functions, it becomes increasinglyimportant to enhance the effectiveness of this and related muscles, suchas the bulbocavernosus muscle, through appropriate exercise.

In keeping with the above, it is a primary object of this invention toprovide a novel mechanism for exercising the perivaginal pubococcygealmuscle, the mechanism including an elongated body having body portionsadapted for movement toward and away from each other in a directiongenerally normal to the body axis, and means for adjustably spacing thebody portions to vary the resistanceyoffered against the contraction ofthe perivaginal pubococcygeal muscle during the exercise thereof undervirtually all physiological conditions.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel exercisingmechanism of the type heretofore described wherein the body portions arespaced from one another at only one end of the mechanism, and theopposite end of the body is of an immovable construction whereby thelatter end may be employed for isometric exercises.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a 3,502,328Patented Mar. 24, 1970 novel mechanism constructed in accordance withthe foregoing and including means for limiting the degree ofintroduction of the exerciser into the body of an individual and/ormeans for indicating the resistance offered against exercising forces.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a novel mechanism ofthe type heretofore described wherein the adjusting means includes amember mounted for sliding movement between the body portions parallelto the body axis for selectively increasing and decreasing theresistance of the mechanism by varying the spacing between the bodyportions.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear,the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by referenceto the following detailed description, the appended claimed subjectmatter, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the exercising mechanism of thisinvention, and illustrates the in-use position thereof.

FIGURE 2 is a top perspective view of the exercising mechanism, andillustrates a sliding member between a pair of generally spaced bodyportions for adjusting the spacing therebetween and ther-by selectivelyincreasing or decreasing the resistance offered by the mechanism toforces generated during the exercising of the pubococcygeal muscles.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 ofFIGURE 2, and more clearly illustrates components of the exercisingmecham'sm.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3,and illustrates the sliding member sandwiched between and spacing thebody portions of the mechanism.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of another exercising mechanismconstructed in accordance with this invention, and illustrates means forindicating the relative spacing between body portions thereof.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view of the mechanism of FIGURE 5 partially incross section and partially in side elevation, and illustrates meanscoupled to the indicating means for selectively adjusting the spacingbetween the body portions.

FIGURE 7 is a top perspective view of another exercising mechanism ofthe invention, and illustrates a one piece body construction and stopmeans for limiting the introduction of either end portion of themechanism into the body of the user.

A novel exercising mechanism constructed in accordance with thisinvention is fully illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 4 of the drawing,and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The mechanism10 includes a body 11, adjusting means 12, means 13 coupling theadjusting means 12 to the body 11.

The body 11 of the exercising mechanism 10 is of a generally elongatedconstruction and includes a pair of body portions 14, 15 maintained inspaced relationship bythe means 12 and an end 16 of the body 11, whileat an opposite axial end 17 the body portions 14, 15 are secured to eachother in contacting relationship by elastic or metallic bands 18, 20.

Each of the body portions 14, 15 is generally U-shaped in transversecross-section to impart a generally cylindrical configuration to thebody 11 which progressively tapers from the end 16 toward the end 17both when the means 12 is positioned between the body portions 14, 15 asshown in FIGURES 1 through 4 or entirely removed from therebetween. Aplurality of identically spaced cylindrical protubreances or sensors 21,22 are carried by the respective body portions 14, 15, and are generallydirected raidally outwardly normal to the longitudinal axis of the body11. The protuberances 21, 22 are preferably imperforate except for theprotuberances adjacent the end 17 which are apertured at 23, 24,respectively.

In an actual working embodiment of the exercising mechanism 10, the bodyportions 14, 15 are each formed of a single piece of molded plasticmaterial measuring approximately seven inches in length, and havingradii of and & at the end 16, 17, respectively.

The adjusting mechanism 12 is a relatively flat member of rubber orplastic material having a plurality of upwardly directed longitudinallyextending ribs (unnumbered) defining grooves 25 through 28 at an upperportion thereof as viewed in FIGURE 4, while a lower portion of themember 12 is provided with a longitudinally extending relatively widerib 30. Edges of the body portion 14 are confined within the respectivegrooves 25, 27 while the rib 30 is straddled by the lower body portion15, as is best illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawing. In this mannerthe member 12 is prevented from accidentally dislodging from itssandwiched relationship between the body portions 14, 15 and the edgesof the latter cooperate with the grooves 25 and 27 and the rib 30 todefine slide means for sliding the member 12 along the axis of the body11 to selectively vary the spacing between the body portions 14, 15 andthereby adjust the resistance offered against exercising forces as wellas altering the overall peripheral size of the body 11.

The means 13 is a strand of plastic or similar flexible material whichpasses through an aperture (unnumbered) in the adjusting means 12 and inthe apertures 23, 24 of the body portions 14, 15, respectively. The ends(unnumbered) of the member 13 are knotted or similarly secured together,as is clearly illustrated in FIGURE 3 of the drawing. In this manner thethree components 11 through 13 of the mechanism are maintained inassembled relationship.

As was heretofore noted, the function of the exerciser 10 is tostrengthen the perivaginal pubococcygeal muscle by enabling a user tobecome familar with the contracting function of this muscle, and throughconscious exercising against the resistance of the mechanism 10, torestore, improve and maintain musclar tone in the perivaginalpubococcygeal muscle and related muscles, such as the bulbocavernosusmuscle, which consciously or unconsciously become involved in theexercises. The mechanism 10 is preferably first pre-set before insertionby positioning the member 12 adjacent the end portion 17 and manuallysqueezing closed the body portions 14, 15 at the end 16. The end 16 isthen inserted in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawing, andupon the release of the body portions 14, 15 the latter expand to thepre-set size and the pre-set resistance to contraction. The normal limitof insertion ranges between 1 /2 inches to 3 inches, and after insertionthe mechanism 10 may be moved forward and/ or backward until the desiredcontact is sensed between the vaginal walls and the body 11.Determination of tht correct position is augmented by the protuberancesof sensors 21, 22 and once properly inserted the perivaginalpubococcygeal muscle is consciously contracted against the resistanceoffered by the body portions 14, 15. The muscles are preferablycontracted in a repetitive manner for a predetermined period of time oneor more times each day until muscle tone is restored and preferablythereafter to maintain the muscular tone of these muscles.

In some cases in which the users perivaginal pubococcygeal muscles areextremely weak, the user may initially be unaware of minute contractionsthat may be taking place during an exercise period. However, when theexercising mechanism has been adjusted to a proper size and has beenproperly inserted, even the slightest co-ntractions can be sensed by theusers fingertips when holding the exposed portion of the body 11 in sucha manner as the bridge the space or slit sbetween the body portions 14,15. During a contraction the fingertips can readily sense the slightestvariation in the space between the body portions 14, 15.

Isometric exercising of the perivaginal pubococcygeal and relatedmuscles can be performed in the manner heretofore described, it beingonly necessary to first remove the adjusting means or slide member 12from between the body portions 14, 15 before the insertion of theinstrument in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawing.Alternatively, the strand 13 can be knotted and the end 17 can beinserted into the vagina, and in each case the muscles can be contractedagainst the immovable resistance of the exerciser 10.

Another exercising mechanism constructed in accordance with thisinvention is illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6 of the drawing, and isgenerally designated by the reference numeral The mechanism 35 includesa body, generally designated by the reference numeral 36' having ends37, 38 and means 40 for adjusting the size of the body 36 and theresistance offered thereby against the contraction of muscles duringexercising. The body 36 includes a pair of body portions 41, 42 whichare generally U-shaped in transverse cross-section. The body portions41, 42 carry a plurality of longitudinally disposed protuberances orsensors 43, 44, respectively, which project generally radially outwardlyfrom the longitudinally axis of the body 36. The body portions 41, 42are secured to each other by bands of material 45, 46 at the end 38 anddefine a chamber 47 which progressively decreases in size fromleft-to-right as View in FIGURES 5 and 6 of the drawing irrespective ofthe position of the adjusting means 40.

The adjusting means 40 includes an enlarged 48 housed in the chamber 47.Diametrically oppositely directed slide means in the form of flanges 39,39 are carried by the head 48 and are sandwiched between each of the twoopposed pairs of edges (unnumbered) of the body portions 41, 42. Thehead 48 is carried by a rod 49 projecting outwardly of the end portion38 of the body 36. The exposed end portion of the rod 47 is preferablyprovided with indicia 50 for indicating the effective size and/orresistance offered by the body 36- against forces of contraction at anyselected position of adjustment of the adjusting means 40 as determinedby the particular position of the flanges 39, 39 along the axial lengthof the body 36.

Each of the mechanisms 10, 35 includes respective bodies 11, 36 whichare formed of two separate body portions joined to each other only atthe respective ends 17, 38. However, in accordance with anotherembodiment of this invention an exercising mechanism (FIGURE 7) isprovided which includes a body 56 constructed of a single piece ofmaterial. The body 56 constructed of a single piece of material. Thebody 56 includes body portions 57, 58 separated by a slot or gap(unnumbered) extending from an end 60 toward an end 61 but terminatingshort of the latter. The body 56 may be formed by, for example, firstmolding the body from plastic or similar material, drilling an axialbore therethrough, and thereafter cutting the body to form the bodyportions 57, 56. Likewise and more simply the body 56 can be injectionmolded to the configuration shown in FIGURE 7.

The mechanism 55 also includes adjusting means 62 (shown removed fromthe operative position sandwiched between the body portions 57, 58)joined by a flexible connecting member 63 to the end 61 of the body 56.

Stop means 65 in the form of a generally circular disc surround the body56 at a point substantially midway between the ends 60, 61. The disc 65includes a circular opening 66 and diametrically directed slits 67, 68.The disc 65 is preferably constructed from flexible material, such asplastic or rubber, and the slits 67 permit the disc 65 to temporarilydeform when moved from the position shown in FIGURE 7 toward either ofthe ends 60, 61. The purpose of the disc 65 is to limit the depth ofinsertion of either the ends 60, 61 into the vagina incident toexercising the pubococcygeus muscle against the yielding resistance ofthe spaced end portions 57, 58 or during isometric exercising againstthe solid end 61.

While each of the exercising mechanisms 10, 35, and 55 includerespective adjusting means 12, 40 and 62, it is within the scope of thisinvention to construct each exercising mechanism to operate effectivelyin the absence of the adjusting means. For example, the exercisingmechanism S5 is shown movably provided with a slot or groove(unnumbered) between the body portions 57, 58 converging from the end 60toward the end '61 but terminating short of the latter. -By injection'molding or therewise forming the body 56 from plastic or similarresilient material the inherent resilience thereof and the spacing ofthe body portion 57, 58 offer resistance during exercising in the mannerheretofore described. Thus, while the adjusting means '62 is notnecessarily needed in such a case it could be employed to expand thebody portion 57, 58 more than that shown in FIGURE 7, if necessary.

In accordance with the last-described aspect of the invention, it ispossible to entirely eliminate the adjusting means 62 yet achieveadjustment by means of the stop means 65 or a similar additionalcollar-like element. Assuming, for example, it is desired to reduce theperipheral size of the end portion 60, the stop means 65 would simply heslid from right-to-left in FIGURE 7 while opposite movement in this samefigure would increase the space between the body portion 57, 58 and thusthe size of the end portion '60. The means is therefore operative asstop means or adjusting means or both.

From the foregoing it is believed readily apparent that each of theexercising mechanisms 10, 35' and 55 are constructed from a minimum ofseparate components which are inexpensive to manufacture, simple toassemble, and when assembled easily and safely used by women withoutsupervision. Regular use of the exercising mechanisms enables any userto maintain conscious control and contractability of the perivaginalpubococcygeal muscle, thus retaining physiological soundness of thevagina, particularly after childbirth. By maintaining the muscular toneof these muscles, the enjoyment of normal coitus for the user and/or hermate is increased by both conscious and unconscious contractability ofthese muscles.

The adjustable nature of the mechanisms to vary the resistance offeredagainst the contraction forces is highly desirable and permits theexercisers to be pre-set relative to the resistance and maximumeffective peripheral surface area prior to the introduction thereof intothe body of the user. Thereafter the resistance and peripheral size maybe readily adjusted as might be found necessary. This construction alsopermits the mechanisms to be inserted when partially closed orcompletely closed, and thereafter gradually expanded so as to enable theuser to sense or feel out the perivaginal pubococcygeal muscle and, inparticular, the outer portion of the middle third of the vagina wherethe constricting effect of this muscle is normally greatest.

Each of the above advantages and qualtities is combined into the mostdesirable physical configuration for the intended purposes, but it is tobe understood that changes in the size and shape of the mechanisms thusfar described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis invention. For example, the mechanisms may be constructed of acompletely cylindrical configuration, as opposed to the taperedconfiguration best illustrated in FIGURE 3 of the drawings. The bands18, 20 of the mechanism 10' could be, for example, constructed fromrubber or similar flexible material to permit the removal thereof fromthe end .17 and the reapplication of these bands to the end 16. In thismanner the slide member 12 would function as heretofore described exceptthat the smaller end 17 would be inserted into the vagina.

While the body of each of the mechanisms has been described as beingpreferably constructed from rigid but flexible material, such asplastic, rubber, metal or other suitable material may be employed. Thebodies of the instruments may be made in one piece or two or moreportions normally of the same length secured together at either end bybands of similar means. The body portion need not be of an identicallength and may be either solid or hollow. Several slides of differentthicknesses may be provided for adjusting the resistance to anydesirable degree, as well as peripheral size. 1

While preferred forms and arrangement of parts hav been shown inillustrating the invention, it is to be clearly understood that variouschanges in details and arrangement of parts may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

I claim:

1. A mechanism particularly adapted for exercising pubococcygeal musclescomprising a generally elongated body having axially opposite first andsecond ends, said body being defined by at least a pair of elongatedbody portions, said body portions being immovably fixed relative to eachother at the first of said ends and being normally in spacedrelationship to each other at the second of said ends, and said secondends of said body portions being constructed from resilient inherentlyreboundable material for offering resistance against movement of saidsecond ends toward each other upon the contraction of the pubococcygealmuscles during the exercise thereof, and means are provided foradjustably spacing said second body ends to vary the resistance ofieredthereby.

2. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said spacing means ismounted for sliding movement between said second body ends in directionsparallel to the body axis for moving said second body ends relative toeach other thereby adjustably varying the spacing therebetween. l

3. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein means are providedbetween said first and second ends for limiting the degree ofintroduction of one of said ends into an individual.

4. The mechanism as defined in claim wherein said body is of a graduallytapered cylindrical configuration having a maximum diameter at saidsecond end which progressively reduces toward a minimum diameter at saidfirst end.

-5. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said body includes aplurality of protuberances on the exterior thereof directed generallyradially outwardly of the body axis.

'6. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 including means for selectivelyvarying the resistance offered by said second body ends.

7. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein means are provided forselectively adjusting the spacing between said second body ends, andsaid adjusting means is a member mounted for sliding movement relativeto said second body ends parallel to the body axis in directions towardand away from the first body end to vary the spacing between said secondbody ends.

8. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said body is constructedfrom a single piece of synthetic plastic material.

9. The mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said pair of bodyportions are each constructed from a single piece of synthetic plasticmaterial, and means are provided for rigidly securing said body portionsto eac other at said first body end.

10. The mechanism as defined in claim 6 including means between saidfirst and second ends for limiting the degree of introduction of one ofsaid ends into an iridividual, said resistance varying means is a membermounted for sliding movement relative to said second body ends parallelto the body axis in directions toward and away from said first body end,means for guiding said member during the movement thereof between saidsecond 7 8 body ends, means for securing said sliding member toReferences Cited said first body end, and said limiting means being adisc- UNITED STATES PATENTS like member exterlorly slidably carried bysaid second body 1,244,751 10/1917 McCleary l28345 11. The mechanism asdefined in claim 10 wherein 1,928,893 10/1933 Hoard 1223-341 said bodyincludes a plurality of protuberances on the 5 FOREIGN PATENTS exteriordirected generally radially outwardly of the body axis, and Saiddisc-like member includes means for permitting the slidable movementthereof across said prombeames- 10 RICHARD c PINKHAM P E 12. Themechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein nmary Xammer said body includesa plurality of protuberances on the W. R. BROWNE, Assistant Examinerexterior thereof directed generally radially outwardly of the body axis,means in the form of a disc-like member externally telescopicallysurrounding said body between 15 12824, 345

said first and second ends for limiting the degree of introduction ofone of said ends into an individual, and said disc-like member includesmeans for sliding the latter beyond said protuberances.

128,196 2/1920 Great Britain. 608,856 4/1926 France.

